There is much hype going into tomorrow night’s fight pitting Saul “Canelo” Alvarez against contender Amir Khan. Of the many storylines, this well be Alvarez’s first defense of the WBC, Ring Magazine and lineal middleweight championship. On the other end, this will be Khan’s first ever bout in the middleweight division. The fight itself, which is at a catchweight, is another classic matchup of speed versus strength, as Canelo battered through his fights, overpowering his opponents, while Khan’s speed and quickness is what has become his trademark.
In the weeks leading up to the bout, HBO chronicled both men in preparation for big night on their 24/7 series, which you can watch Here and Here. With that said, TheSource.com had the opportunity to chat with Canelo Alvarez. Check it out below and make sure to tune into the fight Saturday May 7th on HBO PPV at 9 p.m. EST.
You’re the main star in boxing right now and you didn’t have to take this fight if you didn’t want to. As the favorite going in, do you feel any pressure to live up to expectations?
CA: I don’t feel pressure at all. The only pressure I feel is my own personal pressure to win this fight. I always strive to be as prepared as possible and to win at any cost whether that be by knockout or by decision.
Have you made any changes to your training regiment this time around as opposed to your previous fights or are you sticking to your usual routine?
CA: I always train at 100%. I never slack off and the only thing that ever changes is strategy because you have to make sure that you’re training towards the fighter that you’re facing and right now that’s Amir Khan. I’m ready for anything that he brings.
Khan has said that he’ll do anything to win this fight. He suggests that you’re too busy handling media obligations to focus on him. Are you concerned at all about him surprising you in this fight?
CA: I’m always ready at 100% for every fight. Addressing the media is part of the job, it’s part of the promotion and that’s something that every fighter does. I promoted my fight with Cotto beforehand and I won that fight so in regards to that I’m 100% prepared. I’m focused and promoting the fight is a part of my job.
Amir Khan also said that that your strength won’t be a factor and that his speed and intelligence is going to guide him to a victory. You have more fights than him as a professional and have fought more notable opponents. Do you actually believe that he has any advantage in the speed or ring IQ department?
CA: Every fighter trains the way they need to and I’m actually glad that Khan thinks that he has an advantage but once you get in the ring different things happen, it’s unpredictable. I’m prepared for Khan’s speed, I’m prepared for anything that he is going to bring to the table and I have the experience necessary to counter anything that Khan does in the ring on fight night.
You previously said that you can fight comfortably at 167 or even 170, where do you anticipate your weight being on the night of the fight? Has the weight change made any difference in your speed or quickness?
CA: I don’t exactly know what it’s going to be on fight night. All I know is that my body will feel comfortable. I’ll rehydrate and I’ll feel ready. I don’t anticipate that affecting my power or speed.
What does it mean to you to be fighting around Cinco de Mayo with your entire home country cheering you on?
CA: I feel very honored to represent my country on this great holiday. It’s a big responsibility, it’s a great honor and that’s why I train so hard in order to make the country proud.
